SOFTWARE REVIEW: AUTODESK FUSION 360

Part of every job is to use different software and hardware tools. Unfortunately, some of these software and hardware are doing us more damage than good, and some are so useful that you cannot work without them. In this article series, I will discuss the software and hardware I use as a mechanical design engineer. In this article, I will talk about the CAD software Autodesk Fusion 360 that I use privately for 3D modeling and documentation generation.

Introduction

While in the company, I use different software for CAD modeling; for personal and professional work, I am using Autodesk Fusion 360. The reason is simple, the number of features available for the price I pay is impressive. I can create parts, assemblies, and professional drawings based on predefined drawing templates. Furthermore, I can run simulations, create animations and exploded views, renders, and much more.

What is Autodesk Fusion 360?

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based software platform for 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, FEA, and PCB design for product design and manufacturing. It allows team collaboration and data management on different projects. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive compared to the number of features you get.

Fusion 360 is developed by the company Autodesk, which has been an industry leader in providing design software solutions for a long time.

Autodesk Fusion 360 features

Here is the list of the features you get once you purchase Fusion 360:

3D design and modeling
- 3D modeling,
- Direct modeling,
- Surface modeling,
- Parametric modeling,
- Mesh modeling,
- Freeform modeling,
- Rendering,
- Sheet metal,
Manufacturing
- 2D, 2.5D, and 3axis machining,
- Turning,
- Turn-mill,
- Probing and part inspection.
Electronics
Data management and collaboration
- Centralized data management,
- User management,
- File export,
- Version control,
- Cloud storage,
- Global share.
Additive manufacturing
Generative design
- Generative design optimization
Simulation
- Static stress,
- Modal frequency,
- Thermal stress,
- Buckling,
- Non-linear stress,
- Event simulation,
- Shape optimization.
Documentation
- 2D manufacturing drawings,
- Rendering,
- Animation.

Autodesk Fusion 360 buying options

There are three options when buying software Autodesk Fusion 360 standard license monthly, yearly, and three-year. Comparing the prices of all three license types, the best one is if you pay one time for three years.

In addition to the standard license, the Autodesk Fusion 360 can be expanded with different extensions. These extensions are extending the capabilities of the standard products:

The best part about the extensions is that you do not have to buy all of them; you can just buy the ones you need.

Pros and Cons of Autodesk Fusion 360

Pros:

Wide range of available features,
Price,
A lot of learning materials,
Great community.

Cons:

I cannot find anything worth mentioning for the price I pay for it.

Conclusion

Software Autodesk Fusion 360 is an excellent choice for people who want to start working in CAD software from home or in a small company. I think the pricing is more than acceptable for the number of possibilities you get. The price I pay for Autodesk Fusion 360 would not give me a desktop icon installed from another more advanced software. From solid, surface, and sheet metal modeling to rendering and simulation, it cannot get any better than that for that price.

If you are thinking about starting a side hustle or being a maker, the Autodesk Fusion 360 is the best way to start.

This is my experience with using the Autodesk Fusion 360. Do you have experience with it? Are you thinking about buying a license? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

Do you like what you read? Then, share it with your friends, colleagues, and on your social media channels. And if you want to become a part of the Newtonians, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter!